Whatcom firefighters rescue woman who tumbled about 150 feet at Racehorse Falls
Firefighters rescued a woman after she fell at least 50 feet and then tumbled another 100 feet down a slippery rock slope Sept. 10 at Racehorse Falls, a hiking area near Deming. Three days later, on Friday, Sept. 13, two more people required rescue from the same location, though they were not injured.
The latest rescues are the fifth and sixth such calls to Racehorse Falls in 2024, with a total of 10 people needing help. Chief Jerry DeBruin said people frequently climb down a rope to a lower ledge but lack the strength to climb back up.
The woman’s rescue last Tuesday was unusual as she had fallen past the ledge and was injured as a result, DeBruin said.
Crews from Fire District 14 rappelled down to her location at the bottom and were able to lift her out of the canyon after hooking her up in a stretcher. Bellingham firefighters then carried her over a quarter-mile down the trail using the wheeled stretcher. She was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center, according to DeBruin.
The frequency of rescue calls has been an issue in the past, with another six rescues in 2023. DeBruin said the fire district has put up multiple signs warning people of the danger. However, people still require rescue every few weeks.
Authorities released no information regarding the woman’s injuries or condition from the Tuesday fall.
This story was originally published September 16, 2024 at 1:36 PM.
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